Addis Abeba & Surroundings

Located on a well-watered plateau surrounded by hills and mountains, in the geographic center of the country, Addis Ababa is one of the booming and fast-growing capital cities in Africa. Addis Ababa The city which nestled under the Entoto Mountains is the world’s third-highest capital city and has both an African and international feel. Called to be the diplomatic capital of Africa, Addis Ababa has served as the headquarters of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union) since its inception in 1963.

Addis Ababa Museum

It was the former residence of Ras Birru, an honoured Dejazmatch at Menelik’s court. It was built in 1920s. The building is outstanding by the dimension of the complex and its decorations. He was a notable advisor to Menelik II in the early 20th century. Currently it serves as Addis Ababa Museum.

This was established in October 1986 on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the foundation of Addis Ababa as a capital city. It is housed in one of the oldest buildings which were once the house of one of emperor Menelik II’s war lord, Ras Biru Wolde Gebriel. It has 7 halls.

1. Finfine hall
2. Edget hall
3. Alfred Elg hall
4. Adwa hall
5. Handicrafts hall
6. Collection of modern painting hall and
7. Ledet hall

Merkato

Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1936. With their racist policy, they planned to establish two markets, namely Arada and Merkato. The former is for Italians and the later is for Ethiopians only.

Merkato is now the largest and the first open-air market in Africa. It is in here that one can bargain from daily necessities to different artifacts and curios.

Entoto Park

Initiated by the prime minister of Ethiopia like Unity Park, Entoto Park was inaugurated and opened to visitors by 30th of September 2020. A place which once only the flocking spot of laities to Entoto Maryam Zion church and Ethiopia’s legend long-distance runner for training has now turned to an ideal weekend retreat and day out.

The mountain which called to be ‘the lung of Addis Ababa’ is covered with lush eucalyptus forest. The forest which stays paltry of use now turned to a mesmerizing park with a bounty of services and activities.  The multi-purpose park contains indoor and outdoor facilities built mostly with local materials. It is equipped with various facilities like cafes, restaurants, horseback riding, spas, artificial lake, go-kart, biking, library, and cinema as well as sports centers. Visitors can have a taste of authentic Ethiopian coffee at the park served by major brands in the country such as Kaldis’ and Tomoca. Pioneering Ethiopian resorts Kuriftu has also a charming capacious restaurant. Art galleries and children’s playing grounds are also available.

Sheger Park

Part of the 58 kilometers long Entoto-Akaki Riverside Beautification project of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Sheger Park is found in front of Sheraton Addis Hotel. The newly exuberant park is part of making Addis Ababa an urban tourism site by rehabilitating water bodies. The park comprises cultural centers, an art gallery, and places of Science and technology, cafeterias, etc. The park which perched in the center of Addis Ababa makes it easily accessible from every corner of Addis Ababa.

Unity Park

The newly opened boutique park within the Grand National palace of Ethiopia is initiated by PM Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.). The construction and establishment of the park were started in 2018 and officially inaugurated and opened to the public on October 10/ 2019. Visiting the park gives myriad of options to visit which ranges from the black manned Ethiopian lion zoo to the banquet hall of Emperor Menelik ll the founder of the palace, from the throne hall to gesturing the ostrich and unity zoo which keeps Meerkat, Aquarium, Peacocks, Cheetah, White Lions, and Wild dogs, Gelada Baboons, Aviary and Safari. Apart from that, the park boasts a pavilion dedicated to the various people and ethnic groups of Ethiopia. One can learn the highlight of Ethiopian history to the present time with an electronic display within the banquet hall. https://unitypark.et/